You just got another boat, congrats! Presently comes the intense part – shielding and sealing the wood. You’ve perhaps found out about spar varnish and spar urethane. They sound kinda comparable, right? Indeed, you’re basically dead on. However, there are a couple of key differences you’ll need to understand sooner than making your decision.
Both can provide your boat with an amusing sleek finish, however, they range in UV safety, flexibility, ease of application, and durability. We’re going to break it down for you so you can choose the high-quality alternative for your specific boat and wishes. With this guide, you’ll seal your wood successfully the first time and enjoy many seasons of smooth cruising!
What is Spar Varnish?
Spar varnish is a specialized varnish formulated for protecting outside wood surfaces from the factors. In contrast to standard varnishes designed for indoor use, spar varnish contains specific elements that allow it to look up to daylight, moisture, and temperature fluctuations without cracking or peeling.
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Its name comes from its maritime origins – it was once originally used to varnish the spars (wood poles) of sailing ships. This tough, flexible finish allowed the spars to bend and flex in the wind without harm.
Key Properties
- UV Protection: Spar varnish carries UV blockers that filter out damaging ultraviolet rays from the sun, stopping the wood from graying or deteriorating in advance.
- Flexibility: The elastic nature of spar varnish lets it increase and contract with the natural actions of exterior wood without cracking or setting apart.
- Water Resistance: Top-class spar varnishes form a water-resistant seal that sheds rain and moisture, protecting the underlying wood from rot.
The Ideal Protector for Your Boat
For boating programs, spar varnish excels at safeguarding wood surfaces from salt spray, sun exposure, and abrasion. It’s the go-to choice for weatherproofing:
- Teak and other exterior trim
- Wooden masts and booms
- Cabin brightwork
- Decking and railings
Its strong, moisture-resistant finish ensures your boat’s woodwork stays gorgeous for quite a while with genuine maintenance. Exactly when it’s the ideal time to refinish, spar varnish can be easily sanded and recoated.
What Is Spar Urethane?
Spar urethane is an unmistakable, defensive finish designed for both interior and outside wood surfaces. Unlike customary spar varnish, it provides a harder, more sturdy coating that better resists scratches, moisture, and UV harm.
You can think of it as a braced version of standard polyurethane – enhanced for harsh marine environments. The “spar” in the name refers to the spars (poles) on ships that this finish was originally created to protect.
Key Advantages
Spar urethane offers several advantages over varnish for your boat:
- Exceptional durability and abrasion resistance
- Long-lasting protection against sun, salt, and water exposure
- A thicker, more flexible coating that expands and contracts with wood
- Easy to apply and maintain with proper preparation
This makes it an ideal choice for high-wear areas like decks, railings, and trim that take a beating from the elements.
Application Tips
For best results, proper surface prep is critical. The wood should be sanded smooth, cleaned, and degreased before application. Different thin coats will quite often perform better compared to one thick coat.
And while spar urethane offers easier maintenance than varnish, it will still need recoating constantly depending on conditions. With some additional real effort, this no-nonsense finish will keep your bright work looking sharp for seasons to come.
Spar Varnish Vs Spar Urethane
Spar Varnish
- Spar varnish is a wooden finish made with resins, oils, and solvents.
- You should sand the floor, apply more than one coat, and license enough drying time between coats.
- Spar varnish is extra bendy and may better face up to the expansion and contraction of wood caused by temperature and humidity adjustments.
- A very much-maintained spar varnish finish can last several years prior to needing to be reapplied.
- Spar varnish imparts a warm, normal look that enhances the wood’s grain and variety.
Spar Urethane
- Spar urethane is a synthetic finish made from urethane resins and solvents.
- Spar urethane is easier to apply, frequently requiring less coats and drying faster.
- Spar urethane, albeit solid, is less adaptable and may break or strip on the off chance that the wood moves excessively.
- Spar urethane, while more scratch-resistant, may be refinished sooner, especially in harsh open conditions.
- Spar urethane, while glossy, can give a more artificial, plastic-like appearance.
Whether you choose spar varnish or spar urethane for your boat, legitimate surface preparation and application are pivotal for a dependable, lovely finish.
